The Helpers

In short, Douglas County Health Officer Dr. Thomas Marcellino is the person that makes the call. Dr. Thomas Marcellino / Douglas County

The medical advice to close Lawrence schools, avoid groups of more than 10 and stay-at-home orders are all guided by his medical expertise.

“Obviously we don’t take any of this lightly,” Dr. Marcellino explains. “I understand the hardships these recommendations can cause, but it’s my obligation to do what’s best for the health of the people of Douglas County.”

Dr. Marcellino, a father to 2, began monitoring COVID19 long before its effects were felt in Lawrence.

“I was aware of the threat when it was developing in China,” he explains. “The state, the county and the school district have all been working together to do what’s best for Lawrence. I know this is a difficult time, but we’re working hard to offer the best advice for our community. I have to explain every recommendation I have to my own kids, so I always keep families in mind. We’re trying to keep everyone safe.”

“We’re here to help until we can’t help anymore,” Shantel Grace co-owner of Ramen Bowls, says with a smile. “If we end up as a soup kitchen, then so be it. We’re here for our town.” Shantel Grace / Ramen Bowls

Grace, with husband Tim, are running Ramen Bowls at full-speed. They offer free delivery and curbside pickup, of course. However, they also offer their most-popular menu item - Rainbow Bowl - for free. In addition to free meals (offered no questions asked), each order comes with a bottle of homemade hand sanitizer that was made in the Ramen Bowls kitchen.

“I think Rainbow Bowls are about every third order,” Grace, a mother of 3, explains. “The most amazing thing is how often an order comes in for a menu item and the customer ‘pays it forward’ with a contribution to help offset the cost of free meals for others. That’s incredibly heartwarming. We love Lawrence and our community’s generosity is beautiful. We are going to stay open as long as they’ll let us. We’re here to serve our town.”

Since Lawrence schools closed for the year, the USD 497 Food Service Staff at Hillcrest, Kennedy, and Schwegler Elementary Schools and Billy Mills and Liberty Memorial Central Middle Schools have shown up to work each weekday and provided more than 5000 free meals to Lawrence families. Meals are for children 0-18, with no questions asked, Mondays and Thursday from 10:30am -1:00pm. Food Service Staff / USD 497

Melissa Sommer and her 3 kids have grabbed meals almost every day since schools have been out.

“It’s a real relief for me and the kids,” she explains. “Of course saving money on a few meals a day is enormous, but my kids love getting out of the house for a bit, even if it’s just to drive to Central to grab a few sack lunches.”

Max, Melissa’s 8 year-old son echoes his moms appreciation.

“Sometimes we go to different schools and that’s fun because I don’t normally get to see them,” he says. “And the chocolate milk is really good.”

If families do not have transportation to one of the sites, free delivery options are available.

“Teachers and Food Service staff have enjoyed seeing families drive and walk through for school breakfast and lunch,” says Julie Boyle, USD 497 Executive Director of Communications.